Transformer cut-out.



' No. 809,802. PATENTED JAN. 9, 1906.

J. P. HETHERINGTON. TRANSFORMER CUT-OUT.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 27. 1905.

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No. 809,302 PATENTED JAN. 9, 1906 J. P. HETHERINGTON.

TRANSFORMER GUT-OUT APPLIGATION rum) JAN. 27. 1905.

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No- 809,802. PATENTED JAN. 9, 1906.

J. P. HETHERINGTON. TRANSFORMER GUT-OUT.

APPLICATION FILED JAN-27.1905.

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PATENTED JAN. 9, 1906.

J. P. HBTHERINGTON.

TRANSFORMER OUT-OUT.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 27. 1905.

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attonwug No. 809,302. PATENTED JAN. 9, 1906.. J. P. RHETHER'INGTON. TRANSFORMER GUT-OUT.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 27. 1905.

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' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

TRANSFORMER CUT-OUT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 9, 1906.

Application filed January 2'7, 1905. Serial No. 242,870.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN P. HETHERING- TON, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of Logansport, in the county of Cass and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Transformer CutOuts, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to systems of electrical distribution wherein transformers are employed to reduce the potential to a voltage desirable for use.

As is well known, in all such transformers there is a constant coil loss, and hence for this, as well as for other reasons, it is desirable to eliminate the effect of unnecessary transformers from the system.

It is the object of the present invention to automatically cut out all multiple or assisting transformers from the circuit when not needed to assist in transforming current and to replace them in the circuit when needed, leaving the first transformer of a set in circuit all the time.

To assist in an understanding of the specific character of the invention and the means I have devised for carrying it into effect, reference is had to the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing the application of the basic principles of my invention in-their simplest form and in a twowire system and with the provision of only one auxiliary transformer. Fig. 2 is a simi lar view showing the arrangement when a two-wire primary and three-wire secondary are employed. Fig. 3 is a like view illustrating the arrangement with a three-wire primary and three-wire secondary. Fig. 4 is a similar view showing the arrangement when a second auxiliary or assisting transformer is provided to be thrown into circuit. Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 except that it shows the additional wiring necessary in the use of a three-wire system. Fig. 6 is a detail view showing the arrangement of magnets or solenoids, armatures, contacts, and connections when a three-wire secondary system is employed, but with only one auxiliary transformer, being an enlargement of part of the construction of Figs. 2 and 3. Fig. 7 is a detail view showing the armature-contacts and wiring connections of Fig. 5 except for a slightly-different arrangement of the armatures hereinafter referred to. Figs. 8, 9, and 10 are detail views showing the three different positions of the switch S shown in Figs. 4 and 5 and the contacts made in each position.

Like reference characters refer to the same parts in all the figures.

I will first describe the system illustrated in Fig. 1 and thereafter explain the additional features illustrated in the succeeding figures.

Lines M M supply primary current. Such current is fed constantly to transformer T through wires 1 2. 3 4 are lines delivering the secondary current from the transformer to the place of use. M is a motor, which may be either of a reversible type, a double motor adapted to turn each way, or a oneway motor, with stops to allow it to turn around, stopping on the correct points each time as it turns. It can be arranged either way, as convenient, each way being the equivalent of the other.

S is a switch, which may be in the form of a rotary cylinder connected in any suitable manner to the motor M to be rotated thereby.

M is a magnet or solenoid which is shunted in one of the secondary lines 3 or 4 by means of resistance 17 and connections 18 and 19 on either side of said resistance. While this is the preferred form, the magnet may be inserted in series. The term magnet, as hereinafter used, is to be understood as including a solenoid.

T is the assisting-transformer, which is automatically introduced into the system when the load becomes too great for trans former T to carry alone.

32 is an armature mounted upon a pivoted arm, which arm carries upon its opposite sides conductors K L, separated by an insulating medium, said conductors terminating at the free end of the arm in contacts A B, also insulated from each other.

The magnet M is so wound and the armature 32 is disposed at such a distance there from that under normal load of transformer .T said armature is not attracted to said magnet sufficiently to cause its movement, but that abnormal load placed upon said transformer witha corresponding abnormal current passing through. magnet M will cause it to attract and draw toward it arma ture 32, thereby bringing contact A against contact E, which is fixed in proximity thereto. Suppose the transformer T to become thus overloaded, contact thereupon being made in the described manner betweenpoints A and E, current is allowed to pass from transformer T, through lines 45 15 31, across switch S, which is then in the position shown in Fig.1, along line 22, through motor M along line 21 conductor K of the armature, (see also Fig. 6,) contacts A and E, lines 20, 16, and 4, back to transformer T. This causes motor M to revolve, which closes all the open switches and opens the switch between lines 31 and 32, which stops the motor, the arrangement being such that the motor, and therefore the switch, stops when the latter is in the position in which contact is made between each pair of contact-brushes. This allows primary current to pass from B through line 5 across switch S to lines 7 46 and trans former T returning along line 8 across switch S and along line 6 to line M Transformer T is thereupon energized, and secondary current passes therefrom along lines 47 11 across switch S to line 15, and through line 3 to relieve transformer T, returning along lines 4 16 across switch S to line 12, and back to transformer T When the current consumed is reduced so that transformer T can supply it alone, magnet or solenoid M releases the armature 32, allowing contact B thereon to touch contact F, which contact is fixed at a suitable point within the arc of movement of armature 32. Current now passes from transformer T along lines 47 11 25, conductor L, contacts B and F, line 28, through motor M, lines 29 and 12, back to transformer T The direction of such current through the motor is such as to cause the motor to revolve, closing the switch between lines 31 and 22 and opening all the other switches, which cuts transformer T out of service, stops the motor, which has been supplied with current from transformer T and leaves the mechanism as at the begin- 11111 I? is to be understood that suitable devices are provided to insure the stopping of the switch in the proper positions. Such devices may be of any desired type and form no part of present invention.

Referring now to Fig. 2, in order to make a three-wire secondary from a two-wire primary, it is an occasional practice to tap the middle of the secondary winding of a transformer, thus bringing out one line from the middle and one from each end, as shown at 3, 33, and 4, respectively, in T and 47, 35, and 12 in T, Fig. 2. This makes it a twowire system in the primary, as in Fig. 1, and a three-wire system in the secondary service wires, as in Figs. 2, 3, and 5. If these wires are used in the secondary, as in Fig. 2 and also Figs. 3 and 5, two magnets or solenoids and their respective armatures and contacts are called into use. (See Fig. 6.)

If current is used between wires 3 and 4, the action of the mechanism and circuits of the currents is identical with the description given in describing Fig. 1, except that the additional magnet M operates synchronously with the magnet M and the two magnets form one circuit to supply the motor. Said magnet M like M is either directly introduced into line 3 or is shunted into said line by means of resistance 37 and connections 38 and 39. \Vhen lines 33 and 3 are in use, the secondary current passes from transformer T if three wires are run from one transformer, as in Fig. 2, or from T" when double transformers are used, as in Figs. 3 and 5, through lines 45 3 and magnet M to the point of current consumption, returning on line to transformer T, (or T Figs. 3 and 5.) If transformer T is overloaded, the magnet M causes contact A to touch point 0, causing a current to pass from transformer T through lines 45 15 31 across switch S, along line 22 to motor M, and thence on line 21, through armature-conductor V on armature 41., to contact A, point 0, lines 40, 20, 16, and 4, back to transformer T. It is to be understood that armature 41 and its correlated parts are in all respects similar to armature 32.

The above-described circuit carries a cur I rent which causes the motor to revolve, closing all the open switches and opening the switch between lines 31 and 32, which stops the motor, as above described. The current now passes from line M through line 5, switch S, line 7 and 46 to transformer T and returns on line 8, switch S, line 6 to M This causes a current to pass from transformer T (or T Figs. 3 and 5) through wires 47 11, across switch S, line 15 to line 3, where it relieves transformer T (or T Figs. 3 and 5) and returns on lines 33 34, switch S, line 35 to transformer T (or T Figs. 3 and 5.)

When the load'becomes light enough for the transformer T to carry, magnet M allows armature-contact B to touch point R. This causes a current to pass from transformer T along line 47 25, point R, contact B, armature-conductor W, line 36, armatureconductor L, contact B, point F, line 28, mo tor M, line 29, line 12 to transformer T This causes the motor to revolve, openingall the closed switches, which stops the motor, and closing the switch between lines 31 and 22, as at the beginning.

If current is consumed between lines 33 and 4, the secondary current passes from transformer T down line 33, up line 4, through magnet M to transformer T or across to T on line 45, Figs. 3 and 5. If transformer T (or T and T, Figs. 3 and 5) are overloaded, magnet M causes contact A to touch point E. This causes the current to pass from transformer T through lines 45 15 31, switch S, line 22, motor M, line 21, armature-conduetor K, contact A, point E, lines 20, 16, and 4 to transformer T. This causes the mo tor to revolve, closing all open switches and opening the switch between line 31 and 33,

which stops the motor, all this being similar to the above-described operation in connection with Fig. 1.

When the load becomes light again, magnet or solenoid M allows contactB to touch point F, which causes the current to pass from transformer T along lines 47 25, point R, contact B, armature-conductor W, line 36, armature-conductor L, contact B, point F, line 28, motor M, lines 29 and 12 to transformer T This causes themot or to revolve, opening all the switches, which stops the motor, and closing the switch between lines 31 and 22, as at the beginning.

Fig. 3 is identical with Fig. 2 in the secondary and cut-out mechanism. It has a three wire primary and two transformers on each side instead of one. The threewire primary causes the addition of lines M", O, 44 45 42, an additional point on the switch, and lines 43, 46, and 47. It is to be understood that as all the mechanism above described is worked by the secondary current the substitution of a threewire for a two-wire primary makes no material change in the system.

I will now proceed to describe the mechanism used when a plurality of auxiliary or assisting transformers are employed. Such mechanism is illustrated in a simple form with a two-wire system in Fig. 4. In Fig. 5 is shown the same with the additional con nection's, made necessary in a three-wire system. In each of said views the several connections corresponding to those above described in referring to Figs. 1, 2, and 3 are given the same reference characters for greater ease of identification. In carrying out this feature of my invention I employ a plurality of armatures, two in the present instance, in connection with each magnet M and M Said armatures are arranged in juxtaposition to the end of each magnet. By any desired means one is made more sensitive than the other, and hence is more easily attracted than the other, causing it to switch in a second transformer when the first is overloaded, while the second and less sensitive armature when the current becomes strong enough to attract it switches in a third transformer in a precisely similar manner that is, when the load becomes so great that the first two are overloaded. It will be ob served that the arrangement of the magnet much resembles a telegraph-relay with two armatures. It will be obvious that other armatures and transformers can be added in the same manner, if desired. It will be understood said armatures can be made of different degrees of sensitiveness in a variety of ways. In Figs. 4 and 5, which show the two armatures for each magnet at the same distance from the end of the magnet, some means, such as a retarding-spring for one magnet, may be employed.

The addition of the second armature necessitates an additional set of points on the switch. The first set, which is brought into use when the switch is moved to position 2, Fig. 9, as has been before described, connects only two opposite points, as is shown in said figure. The second set connects both points with the lines leading to the primary and secondary mains and is brought to operative position by a further movement of the switch to position 3, as illustrated in Fig. 10. An additional point is also provided at said position to connect lines 31 and 23 for a purpose hereinafter described. The mechanism and arrangement of wires in Fig. 4 is identical with that of Fig. 1 in respect to the upper or more sensitive armature I, which throws in transformer T when T is overloaded. If this overload is increased, the less sensitive or lower armature J of magnet or solenoid M is attracted, bringing contact Con armature J against point E. T his causes a current to flow from line 15, which is already carrying current through line 31, switch S, line 23, motor M, line 24, armatureconductor 56, contact C, point E, lines 52, 20, 16, and 4 to transformer T. This causes the motor to revolve still farther forward, connecting the lines 6 10, 5 9, 15 13, 14 16 and opening the switch between lines 31 and 23. Current nowpasses from lines M and 5 across switch S through line 9 to transformer T returning through line 10 and switch S to line 6 and M Secondary current now passes from transformer T through lines 13, switch S to line 15, which is already carrying current, and relieves the overloaded transformers. The current returns from line 16 through switch S and line 14 to transformer T hen the load drops so transformer T is not needed, magnet or solenoid M allows the less sensitive lower armatureJ to drop, so that its contact U touches point II. This allows a current to flow from line 13 through line 27, motor M, line 26, point H, contact U, arma ture-conductor N, line 55, contact V, point 2, and line 30 to line 14. This causes a reversed motion in the motor, which opens the switches between lines 6 10, 5 9, 15 13, 14 16. This stops the motor, since its current is cut OH, and also opens the switch between lines 31 23 and closes 3]. 22 and cuts off transformer T and leaving T in use.

If the load is still further lessened, transformer T is also cut out, as has been before described in connection with Fig. 1.

As has been before stated, Fig. 5 illustrates in conjunction all the parts which are shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, showing the three-wire system of Fig. 3, with transformers in pairs and two magnets or solenoids and also the third auxiliary transformer and two armatures for each magnet, as illustrated in Fig. 4.

The mechanism and arrangement of wires in the upper more sensitive armature is the same as in Fig. 3. If the transformers T, T,

T, and T become overloaded, the less sensitive lower armatures J of M and M are brought into use.

If the overload is between lines 33 and 4 or 3 and 4, contact C is drawn against point E by magnet or solenoid M This allows the current to flow from line 15 through line 31, switch S, line 23, motor M, line 24, line 56, armature-conductor M, contact C, point E, lines 52, 20, 16, and 4 to transformer T. This causes the motor to revolve still farther forward to position 3, connecting lines 6 10, 5 9, 42 48, 34 51, 15 13, 16 14 and opening the switch between 31 and 23, which again stops the motor. This switch has been closed when 31 22 was opened, as will be observed upon inspection of Figs. 9 and 10.

The primary current now passes from M through line 5, switch S, lines 9 and 49 to transformers T and T. It returns from T over line 10, switch S, and line 6 to h/ and from T through line 48, switch S, and line 42 to M".

The secondary current passes from transformers T and T over lines 50 and 13 and switch S to line 15. From T it passes over line 51 and switch S to line 34 and returns from line 16 through switch S and line 14 to T. This relieves lines 33, 3, and 4.

When the load becomes less, the magnet or solenoid M allows contact U to touch point H. The current then flows from line 13 through 27 ,motor M, line 26 point H, contact U, armature-conductor N, line 55, armature-conductor Y, contact U, point Z, and. line 30 to 14. This causes the motor to revolve backward and opens switches 6 10, 42 48, 34 51, 15 13, 16 14, which cuts off transformers T T and stops the motor, leaving the other switches closed, as in the closed position, Fig. 3, and position 2, Fig. 9.

If the overload is between lines 33 and 3, magnet or solenoid M attracts its lower less sensitive armature, causing contact C to touch point 0. This allows the current to flow from line 15 through line 31, switch S, line 23, motor M, line 24, armature-conductors X, contact (1, point 0, lines 53, 40, 20, 1.6 and 4 to transformer T. This causes the motor to revolve and turns the switch to position 3, connecting lines 6 1.0, 5 9, 42 48, 34 51, 15 13, 16 14 and opening the switch between 31 and 23, which again stops the motor.

The secondary current now passes from transformer T through lines 50, 13, switch S, line 15 to line 3, relieving the overload, and back from line 33 through line 34, switch S, and line 51 to transformer T. WVhen the load becomes less, magnet or solenoid M allows its lower less sensitive armature to bring contact U against point Z. This allows the current to pass from line 13 through line 27, motor M, line 26, point H, contact U, armature-conductor N, line 55, armature-conductor Y, contact U, point Z, and line 30 to line 14. This causes the motor to revolve backward, opening lines 6 10, 5 9, 42 48, 34 51, 15 13, 16 14, throwing transformer T out of use, which stops the motor, leaving the switches closed, as in position 2.

Fig. 7 is a detail view which shows an ar rangement with a plurality of armatures for each magnet wherein is illustrated a different means of securing differential sensitiveness in the two magnets. In this view the corresponding connections bear the same reference characters as in the other figures for ease of identification, and the only particular in which this view differs from Fig. 5 is in showing one armature arranged behind the other and therefore at a greater distance from the magnet in order that by virtue of such position the necessary differential sensitiveness between the two armatures may be secured. While this appears complicated in the drawings, the switches and wires set along in a row and numbered make a comparatively simple device. Each armature always contacts the motor through the same transformer, even though other transformers may be in use.

In all of the figures illustrated the armatures are actuated in opposition to the mag nets by means of springs S I do not desire to limit myself to the specific constructions set forth, but desire to claim all such modifications as fall within the invention as outlined in the appended claims. For example, a spring or any other motive power might be employed to throw the switch one way instead of a reversed or second motor, and the switch itself may obviously be varied in construction.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is as follows:

1. In an apparatus of the character 'described, the combination, of a primary circuit, a secondary circuit, a transformer connected to receive current from said primary circuit and to deliver the transformed current to said secondary circuit, an auxiliary transformer, and means for automatically introducing said auxiliary transformer into the system in parallel with said first transform er, and cutting it out therefrom, said means consisting of devices controlled by variations in the load, substantially as described.

2. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination, of a primary circuit, a secondary circuit, a transformer connected to receive current from said primary circuit, and to deliver the transformed current to said secondary circuit, an auxiliary transformer, an d means for automatieall y in troducing said auxiliary transformer into the system in parallel with said first transformer, and cutting it out therefrom, said means consisting of devices connected with the secondary circuit and controlled by variations in the load, substantially as described.

3. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination, of a primary circuit, a secondary circuit, a transformer connected to receive current from said primary circuit and to deliver the transformed cur rent to said secondary circuit, an auxiliary transformer and means for automatically introducing said auxiliary transformer into the system in parallel with said first transformer, said means consisting of a switch, connections from the primary circuit to the auxiliary transformer and from the auxiliary transformer to the secondary circuit controlled by said switch, an actuator for said switch, automa'tic means for energizing said actuator when the load becomes excessive and automatic means for denergizing the actuator and stopping the switch after a predetermined amount of movement .of the same to cut said auxiliary transformer into the circuit, substantially as described.

4. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination of a primary circuit, a secondary circuit, a transformer connected to receive current from said primary circuit and to deliver the transformed current to said secondary circuit, an auxiliary transformer, and means for automatically introducing said auxiliary transformer into the system in parallel with said first transformer, said means consisting of a switch, connections controlled by said switch, leading from the primary circuit to the auxiliary transformer and from the auxiliary transformer to the secondary circuit, a motor to actuate said switch, magnetic devices interposed in the secondary circuit and adapted to become operative upon an excess of load therein, a circuit adapted to operate the motor and controlled by said magnetic devices, the arrangement being such that said switch will be operated tocut said auxiliary transformer into the system upon an excess of load, substan tially as described.

5. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a primary circuit, a secondary circuit, a transformer connected to receive current from said primary circuit and to deliver the transformed ourrent to said secondary circuit, an auxiliary transformer and means for automatically introducing said auxiliary transformer into the system in parallel with said first transformer cutting it out therefrom, said means consisting of connections from the primary to said auxiliary transformer and from said auxiliary transformer to the secondary, a switch for controlling said connections, a motor for operating said switch, a magnet interposed in the secondary circuit, an armature carrying electrical connections and contactpoints upon its opposite sides and adapted to be actuated by said magnet upon an excess of load in the secondary, a contact adjacent at side of said armature and adapted to be engaged by said contact-point upon the armature, a circuit including said motor, said connections and contact upon the armature and said adjacent contact-point, a second electrical connection and contact-point upon the opposite side of said armature from said first-mentioned connections, a second contact adjacent said second contact-point on the armature, a second circuit including the secondary of the auxiliary transformer, the motor, the second connection and contact-point of the armature and the contact adjacent thereto, said second armature contact-point being adapted to rest against said second contact when the armature is not actuated by the magnet, substantially as described.

6. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a primary circuit, a secondary circuit, a transformer connected to receive current from said primary circuit and to deliver the transformed current to said secondary circuit, a series of auxiliary transformers, means for automatically introducing said auxiliary transformers successively into the system in parallel with said first transformer and with each other said means consisting of a series of devices adapted to be successively actuated by a cumulative excess of load, substantially as described.

Signed by me at Logansport, Indiana, this 21st day of January, 1905.

JOHN P. IIETHERINGTON.

Witnesses:

FRANCIS C. SWADENER, CHARLES WEoHT. 

